Method and apparatus for distributing USB hub functions across a network

Abstract

A method and related apparatuses for data transmission between a host computer and one or a plurality of USB compliant peripheral devices over a data communications network is provided which operates in the presence of transmission delays greater than that normally allowed in the USB specification. The host computer is connected to a local extender device which, in turn, is connected to one or a plurality of remote extender devices through the data communications network. The remote extender devices are, in turn, connected to a plurality of conventional USB peripheral devices. Data between the host computer and peripheral devices is stored and processed in the local and remote extender devices in order to allow the host computer and the USB peripheral devices to operate with greater than normally allowed time delays. In particular, the invention is of most utility when the round-trip transmission delay between the host computer and the USB peripheral device exceeds 1 microsecond.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to methods and apparatus for transmitting signals between computers and devices using Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports, and, in particular, to a method for operating a plurality of USB peripheral devices distributed across a data communications network.DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART[0002]Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a technology designed to permit a wide range of peripherals to be attached to personal computers by the average user. The technology supports all of the common peripheral devices such as keyboards, mice, speakers, joysticks, cameras, flash drives, hard drives, DVD drives and many others, and its use in current computers is common.[0003]USB was created by an alliance of seven of the largest companies in the computer and communication markets. Those companies were Intel, Compaq, Microsoft, NorTel, NEC, Digital and IBM. The specifications defining USB (e.g. Intel et al., Universal Serial Bus Specification, Revision 1.0, Janu...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0019]It is a further object of the present invention that no hardware or software changes need be made to the existing host computers, hubs and devices supported by the system and operating under the USB protocol. The invention, thereby, may be incorporated into networks composed of both conventional delay and extended delay devices.

[0022]It is a further object of the present invention that the apparatus be very cost effective, consistent with the broadest population of devices targeted by the USB industry.

[0023]These and other objects of the invention, which will become apparent herein, are fully or at least partially attained by the present invention which invention provides a method and related apparatuses, wherein a host computer is connected to a local extender device which, in turn, is connected to one or a plurality of remote extender devices through a data communications network. The remote extender devices are, in turn, connected to a plurality of conventional USB peripheral devices, wherein signals between said host computer and said USB peripheral devices are processed in the local extender and / or the remote extenders so as to allow the host computer and the USB peripheral devices to operate in the presence of transmission delays greater than that normally allowed in the USB specification. In particular, the invention is of most utility when the round-trip transmission delay between the host computer and the USB peripheral device exceeds 1 microsecond.

Problems solved by technology

However, this multiple hub solution is both expensive and clumsy.

The major factor that limits the extent to which the range of USB can be extended is transmission delay.

While the approach described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,381,666 made it possible to operate USB peripheral devices over an extended distance and in the presence of long transmission delays, it did not describe a configuration in which a plurality of USB peripheral devices are widely separated from each other.

The USB driver software resident in the host computer that contains the USB host controller is aware of the connection topology of USB hubs and USB peripheral devices and will fail to operate if said topology is not maintained.

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